Gary Elliott Dumer, Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Deacon Gary Elliott Dumer, Jr, age 61 of Bel Air, MD who passed away on July 8, 2025.

Gary was born on September 6, 1963, in Baltimore, MD to Rita Josephine Dumer (nee Regulska) and Gary E. Dumer.

He graduated from Woodlawn High School, then attended and graduated from University of Maryland, Baltimore County with a degree in Political Science. He was accepted into University of Baltimore School of Law and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1994 and went on to pursue a career in law at the firm of Smith, Sommerfield and Case and later at Cornblatt, Bennett, Penhallegon and Roberson until 2009 when he formed his firm Dumer and Barnes which closed in 2019. He was honored to be a member of the St. Thomas More Society for Catholic Lawyers. He served on their Board of Governors and was President of the Society from 2015-2016.

Gary will be remembered for the way he shared his faith in God, which led to his ordination in 2003 to the Roman Catholic deaconate. He served in this ministry at St. Mary of the Assumption, Pylesville, MD, since 2003 and is fondly remembered for his inspiring homilies and teaching. Gary loved long distance biking on his custom-made Shark bike, tennis, golfing, the Ravens and the Orioles. He had a love for learning and reading which led to his collecting first edition books and travelling to London several times to search shelves of centuries old books.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Ellen Marie (nee Paraska), his children Jeffrey Riley, Laura Vandemark (Doug), Allison Dumer (Bobby Catanzaro), and Emily Wisniewski (Mike). In addition, they have 12 grandchildren, Jason, Josie, Liam, Roland and Wyatt Riley, Ian and Ben Vandemark, Jacob and Claire Kingston, Dominic Catanzaro, Makayla and Max Wisniewski. His father, Gary Dumer, sister Kristine Walsh (Tim) and brother Michael Dumer (Tammy) are still living. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rita Josephine Dumer (Regulska).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hilarity for Charity (www.wearehfc.org) in Gary’s memory. This organization was formed for the support of caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s and gave important assistance to our family.

Gary will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He requested his final message to all who knew him be: ‘Have no fear, the Lord is with you and loves you. Come to Him no matter your circumstances. He is waiting with open arms where you will find peace.’